Open-World Games Like Assassin’s Creed

Sneak and kill your way through these open-world action games similar to Assassin's Creed!

After a few misses, the Assassin’s Creed series is finally back on form with the release of Origins on both PC and Xbox One / PS4. While not perfect, Origins brings all the best elements of the series back into the light with a detailed open-world, a slightly less repetitive style of gameplay, and a highly engaging story. The game has received largely positive reviews from long-time fans, also bringing plenty of new would-be assassins into the fold. Games like Assassin’s Creed Origins prove that all is not lost even when a franchise loses its way for a while.

NOTE: There are of course TONS of open-world games in the market. Here, we’re particularly focused on listing games attuned to parkour action and / or stealth mechanics that AC fans will like (either one or both of these qualities). You may also want to check out our list of games like GTA for open-world games that may not be mentioned here. Parkour-enthusiasts can also take a look at our specialised list of games like Mirror’s Edge.

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List of Games Like Assassin’s Creed

1. Dying Light

Nope, you don’t control a well-dressed assassin in Dying Light. However, this first-person zombie action game does feature tons of parkouring and open-world exploration that Assassin Creed fans will totally love. You’ll spend most of your time completing the main and side-quests that tell an overall engaging story within relatively detailed environments. Zombie-killing is made all the more fun with a modest crafting system for weapons, upgrades, and other acquired skills. The game’s dynamic day-and-light cycle also adds plenty of tension with especially vicious fast-running zombies that prowl the streets at sunset. This is when stealth becomes vital, since taking these night-time monsters head-on is near impossible. Overall, Dying Light is easily one of the best open-world games like Assassin’s Creed that’s worth looking into.

2. Middle-Earth: Shadow of War

Yes, Shadow of War is a little grindy and is plagued by a number of micro-transactions and overpriced DLCs (especially when compared to the first game of the series). However, this triple-A release is still arguably one of the better games like Assassin’s Creed around. The biggest comparison can be seen in the movement / combat systems that have a similar approach to sneaking, timed-attacks, and open-world exploration. Everything is also well voice-acted with fluid body animations and all in all high production values. In addition, Shadow of War is incredibly effective in creating a sense of epic scale, thanks to its Lord of the Rings lore.

3. Watch_Dogs 2

Ignore your disappointment with the first Watch_Dogs. For the most part, Watch_Dogs 2 is a far superior game compared to its underwhelming predecessor. Similar to other games like Assassin’s Creed, this sequel delivers on its promise with a fairly detailed open-world environment and intriguing hacker-themed plot. Keep in mind that sneaking here is less about silent melee assassination, and more centered on discreetly infiltrating computer systems, stealing, and going undetected. Missions do get a bit repetitive. However, a lively cast of characters and some tongue-in-cheek humour keeps things fresh and moving along. All in all, Assassin Creed fans are likely to find something to love in Watch_Dogs 2, despite its varied setting.

4. Dishonored 2

On an obvious level, Dishonored 2 will appeal to Assassin’s Creed fans for its large open-world environment that welcomes flexible and exploratory play-styles. You’re free to enter almost any situation as a weapon / magic wielding bada$$, or alternatively, as a stealthy assassin. The story is for the most part also very engaging, weaving an original plot of revenge with great dialogue and rich atmosphere. In addition, Dishonored 2 offers plenty of varied upgrade options to suit your preferences, with a healthy dose of replayability.

5. Styx: Shards of Darkness

Yes, Styx: Shards of Darkness is a little less well-known compared to most other games like Assassin’s Creed. However, make no mistake about it: this is a well-rounded open-world stealth game through and through. You’re equipped with a solid array of sneak movements, skills, and weapons that invite you to approach every situation in creative ways (e.g. setting off traps, distractions, etc.). The voice-acting here is also impressive, mostly thanks to the snarky wit of your main goblin character. Of the two series, Styx is a significantly ‘purer’ stealth game than Assassin’s Creed that is intentionally less forgiving in its guard-alert system.

6. Batman: Arkham Knight

Unlike previous installments, Batman: Arkham Knight features a decent open-world environment with a solid number of side-missions. Fans of AC can delight in the game’s similar counter-hit combat system and stealth attack mechanics. Admittedly, there isn’t much in the way of agile parkour mechanics apart from your basic climbing. However, Arkham Knight more than makes up for this by giving you an arsenal of cool Batman gadgets to move around the city, coupled with your usual good-versus-evil Batman storyline.

7. Far Cry 3 & 4 (instead of Primal)

Don’t get us wrong: we actually didn’t mind Far Cry: Primal quite as much as others. However, in terms of games like Assassin’s Creed, we believe the island settings and revenge-fuelled plots of Far Cry 3 & 4 in particular may be more appealing to AC fans. Both open-world games give you the option to approach various bases and enemies with stealth, executing baddies with visceral melee precision. Alternatively, you could also go in gung-ho with guns blazing like a one-man army, although we prefer a more subtle approach. Overall, Far Cry 3 and 4 will definitely hold the attention of eager Assassin Creed fans, even with its thematic differences.

8. Deus Ex: Human Revolution

While Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is an above average game, Human Revolution is often considered by fans as the true masterpiece of the franchise. Akin to a few other games like Assassin’s Creed, this release places you in fairly open-ended stages, empowering you with the choice to take on situations in a variety of ways, including silent assassination. There’s also a huge array of customizable upgrades, weapons, and more. In addition, Mankind Divided presents great dialogue and an engaging futuristic plot that’ll appeal to AC fans keen on story-driven gaming experiences.

9. The Saboteur

A sorely forgotten gem, The Saboteur is a Nazi-themed open-world exploration action game with excellently designed objectives, satisfying stealth gameplay, and a fascinating cast of characters. Yes, the game is obviously more gun-heavy compared to many games like Assassin’s Creed. However, most mission goals demand a truly sneaky approach that includes infiltrating enemy bases, trailing targets, and much more. If you missed it before, do yourself a favour and pick up The Saboteur!

10. Hitman

No, Hitman isn’t truly open-world – at least, not in the traditional sense. However, the game is broken up into impressively large stages that give you lots of freedom in choosing how you want to meet your objectives. Akin to most games like Assassin’s Creed, every episode assigns you targets to assassinate with a heavy focus on silent takedowns as you try to remain undetected. There are multiple routes to success with different event triggers, opening up the game to a high level of replayability. Overall, Hitman will undoubtedly appeal to most AC fans hungry for their stealthy fix.